48 Fun Things to Do in Orange County, California

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Orange County is a coastal county in California. The beautiful destination features the most amazing beaches, unique attractions, and easy access to national parks. If visiting, you'll find an array of fun things to do in Orange County, California, from going to theme parks to enjoying wildlife hikes and relaxing on the beach.

Traveling to Orange County is also very convenient. It's located six hours from the hub of San Francisco, and just under an hour from Los Angeles. The area also has an airport, John Wayne Airport, making flying into Orange County from other places on the West Coast of the United States low hassle. To find out all the exciting things you can do in Orange County, keep reading!

Planning a last-minute trip to California?

Book your California accommodations and experiences early! We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in California

• Firelite Lodge (under $100 USD a night)
• Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat & Spa (rated highly)
• Tenaya at Yosemite (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in California

• 15-hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour (rated highly)
• Small Group Tour - SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w Optional Alcatraz (very popular)
• Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour (very popular)
• Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour (very popular)
• Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Explorer From San Francisco

48 Fun Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Orange County Things to Do

Explore Balboa Island

Balboa Island is found in trendy Newport Beach, California. This bustling human-made island has independent shops, outstanding restaurants, and stunning coastal views. It is a fun thing to do in Orange County even at night!

Having shopped and grabbed something to eat, also check out the amusement park here. This exciting attraction is a fun place to visit for kids and adults.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Balboa Island

• Balboa Bay Resort (rated 5-stars)
• VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa (4-star rating)

Plan a beach day at Doheny State Beach

One of the most enjoyable activities in Orange County is spending the day at the beach. Heading to Doheny State Beach is highly recommended.

At this tranquil beach, you can sunbathe, swim, and play beach games. Hanging out at Doheny State Beach is ideal for all occasions, from a day with friends to a family get-together.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Doheny State Beach

• Capistrano SurfSide Inn (rated highly)
• Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts (offers a pool)

Admire the coastline at Crystal Cove State Park

Beautiful Crystal Cove State Park is a coastal park that runs along 3.2 miles of the Pacific coastline. At the park, you can appreciate the rolling waves, explore wooded canyons, and walk along sandy beaches.

You can also bring your dog with you, as long as they stay on paved paths. No matter what you do at Crystal Cove State Park, you're guaranteed to enjoy the most breathtaking seaside vistas.

Tackle the El Moro Canyon Loop Trail

A must-try hiking trail in the OC is the El Moro Canyon Loop at Crystal Cove State Park. Luckily, this trail isn't too challenging, so most people can give it a go. Walking the route will allow you to appreciate coastal views and stunning wildflowers.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the El Moro Canyon Trail

• Crescent Bay Inn (stunning waterside views)
• Art Hotel Laguna Beach

Go on a Dana Point Harbor dolphin watching tour

For marine life enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Orange County is going on a dolphin-watching tour. An eco-tour dolphin-watching cruise from Dana Point Harbor is an ideal one to try!

On this tour, you'll board a catamaran and sail to areas known to be home to dolphins as well as whales. Watching these majestic sea mammals frolic in the water is incredibly memorable.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Dana Point Harbor

• Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea (magnificent waterside scenery)
• Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa (relax by the pool)

Walk along the Huntington Beach Pier

The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is found at Huntington Beach. This landmark stretches for 1,850 feet and is notably one of the West Coast's longest piers.

Seeing the pier and walking along it is a must when in the area. You can visit the attraction at your leisure or see it on a fun best beaches in Orange County tour.

🏨 Accommodations close to the Huntington Beach Pier

• Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort (scored highly by guests)
• Paséa Hotel & Spa (near the waterside)

Wander around breathtaking gardens at Fullerton Arboretum

Fullerton Arboretum is one of the pretty places to see in Orange County. The 26-acre botanical garden houses a vast array of plants, flowers, and trees.

Flora to see includes endangered plant species and exotic plants that you may never have seen before. Wandering around the stunning gardens is the perfect laid-back OC date idea.

🏨 Stay nearby the Fullerton Arboretum

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Placentia Fullerton (rated very highly)
• Residence Inn Anaheim Placentia Fullerton

Spend a magical day at Disney California Adventure Park

The world-renowned Disney Adventure Park is in Anaheim, the second-largest city in Orange County. A trip to Disneyland is a dream for kids and adults alike! When visiting this North American landmark, you'll be spoiled for choice with a range of Disney-themed roller coasters to ride, shows to see, and restaurants to try.

Of course, you'll also get to meet all your favorite Disney characters. Spending a day, or more, at this exhilarating and magical attraction will create lifelong memories.

🏨 Stay nearby Disney California Adventure Park

• SunCoast Hotel Anaheim, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (scored highly by guests)
• JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort (rated 5-stars)

Discover the pretty Laguna Beach Tide Pools

Laguna Beach features multiple beaches with fascinating tide pools, including Treasure Island Beach and Diver's Cove. When in the area, checking out these pools is a must. These unique marine ecosystems feature clear waters, ocean plants, and small sea creatures.

Ocean animals you may see in the pools include crabs, octopi, urchins, and sea snails. Wading birds also like to spend time around these tranquil pools.

🏨 Places to stay close to Laguna Beach

• Hotel Joaquin (loved by guests)
• Laguna Riviera (near the waterside)

Go on wildlife hikes at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a 7,000-acre wilderness park near Laguna Beach. Found in the San Joaquin Hills, you can discover coastal canyons and the only natural lakes in Orange County.

While visiting, you can hike or bike on one of 44 trails and are guaranteed to see wildlife, like deer and red-tailed hawks. A trip to Laguna Coast Wildlife Park is one of the best Orange County, CA, activities for nature lovers.

Spot Californian wildlife at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Located close to Huntington Beach, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a 1,300-acre coastal wildlife reserve. If you enjoy seeing local animals in their natural habitat, a trip to the reserve must be on your Orange County bucket list.

Creatures you may see include a range of birds, raccoons, snakes, coyotes, and much more. There are also various hiking trails to walk along.

Learn about Orange County history at the Old Courthouse Museum

The Old Courthouse Museum is in Santa Ana and has sat in the historic district since 1901. Today, the courthouse houses a museum where you can learn about the history of Orange County. Temporary and permanent exhibits are on display that are sure to teach you something new about the OC!

🏨 Stay near the Old Orange County Courthouse

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Ana - Orange County (relax by the pool)

Watch the sunset at San Clemente Pier City Beach

Another of the cool things to do in Orange County is heading to the San Clemente Pier City Beach to watch the sunset. San Clemente Beach is a beautiful vast sandy destination, surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Having spent the day here, staying to watch the sunset is highly recommended. Watching the pink and orange sky over the ocean and quaint pier is breathtaking.

🏨 Accommodations near the San Clemente Pier

• Sea Horse Resort (highly acclaimed)
• Holiday Inn Express San Clemente N Beach Area (unwind poolside)

Take your kids to the Pretend City Children's Museum

If in Orange County with kids, a trip to Irvine to visit the Pretend City Children's Museum is a must. This interactive attraction has 17 exhibits that mimic small cities.

Kids are encouraged to explore, play, and try various educational activities, from shopping in a mini grocery store to playing in a pretend fire truck.

🏨 Stay near the Pretend City Childrens Museum

• Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest (loved by guests)
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Irvine Lake Forest

Visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a small charming city in Orange County. Within the town, you'll find a Spanish mission that has been in the area since 1776.

At the mission, you can visit an on-site museum to learn about the history of the area and Orange County in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are also pretty gardens to explore, and you can go to the main chapel.

🏨 Place to stay close to Mission San Juan Capistrano, Landmark, Chapel, Museum and Gardens

• Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano (rated 4-stars)

Spot wildlife at the Shipley Nature Center

Those who like seeing wildlife will love taking a trip to the Shipley Nature Center. This attraction covers 18 acres and houses a range of plants and animal species.

At the center, you can follow various trails and spot an array of creatures. The nature center is the ideal place to go birdwatching too.

Climb the many steps at Thousand Steps Beach

Thousand Steps Beach is found along the Pacific Coast Highway, in South Laguna Beach, one of the best beach towns in California to visit. It is known for the over 200 steps you must climb to reach the sandy shore.

After tackling the staircase (which thankfully doesn't really include 1,000 steps), you'll be greeted by a stunning beach with white sand, turquoise water, and rock caves.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the 1000 Steps Beach

• Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club (rated highly)
• Montage Laguna Beach (rated 5-stars)

Shop at South Coast Plaza

Located in Costa Mesa, South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping mall on the West Coast. This shopping outlet features 250 boutiques, 50 high-end restaurants, and a range of other stores and attractions. Whether you window shop or splurge, a day a South Coast Plaza is time well spent!

🏨 Accommodations close to the South Coast Plaza

• Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (highly acclaimed)
• Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach (lounge by the pool)

Whale watch at Newport Beach

Go whale watching from Newport Beach KW There are a range of whale watching options around Orange County. Going on a Newport Beach whale cruise is one of the most popular options.

During your tour, you're guaranteed to spot wild whales, and your captain will provide you with interesting information on these creatures. Getting out on the water to spot some whales is definitely one of the most fun activities in Orange County!

🏨 Stay nearby Newport Beach

• Newport Beach Hotel (well-rated)
• Doryman's Oceanfront Inn (stunning waterside views)

Learn about surf culture at the International Surfing Museum

The International Surfing Museum is a non-profit museum in Huntington Beach. The goal of the attraction is to teach visitors about surfing history and culture. Exhibits cover the world's top surfers and significant events in the sport's history.

If you enjoy sports-themed attractions or are a surfing fanatic, don't miss this museum!

☂️ Visit the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum with a tour

• Private Air Tour Above Orange County Coastline (rated very highly)
• Whale-Watching Cruise From Newport Beach (a hit among most)

🏨 Places to stay close to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

• Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa (rated 5-stars)
• The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel (4-star rating)

Appreciate the coastal views from Heisler Park

Heisler Park is a beachside park with artistic sculptures, benches to relax on, and stunning coastal views. If you want to go down to the beach, you'll be able to explore tide pools and walk along the tranquil sandy shores. Heisler Park is a calm oasis where you can completely unwind.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Heisler Park

• Laguna Beach House (soak up the sun poolside)
• Casa Loma Beach Hotel (4-star rating)

Stroll along the Surfing Walk of Fame

Another surf-related attraction, found near the International Surfing Museum, is the Surfing Walk of Fame. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this landmark is covered in plaques for the most famous surfers. When in the area, stroll along the path to see all of these surf legends.

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Ride roller coasters at Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park

A great Orange County activity is spending the day at Knott's Berry Farm. This exciting amusement park covers 57 acres and features a vast selection of rides, roller coasters, and games. There's also a waterpark, and kids can meet a range of well-known characters, like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Knotts Berry Farm

• Knott's Berry Farm Hotel (4-star rating)
• Courtyard Anaheim Buena Park

Enjoy shopping and dining at Fashion Island

Another of the places to visit in Orange County that lets you shop and dine is Fashion Island. Known as "Orange County's premier shopping center," this mall includes high-end stores and over 40 dining options.

Having shopped, you can also catch a movie at the on-site theater. This luxury cinema allows you to enjoy alcoholic beverages and snacks as you watch.

Learn about Nixon at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

An interesting cultural activity in Orange County is visiting the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. This landmark houses Nixon's presidential library and his burial site. At the museum, you can learn more about the life and work of the 37th president of the United States.

☂️ Discover the Richard Nixon Library & Museum on a tour

• Admission to Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum Ticket (highly rated)

Take a stroll through Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park

Found next to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park is another amazing outdoor attraction in Orange County.

While hiking through the park, you can spot many tree species, including sycamores and elderberry trees. The park is also designated as a wildlife sanctuary.

Look around Old Towne Orange

Old Towne Orange is a historic plaza in Orange County. This is one of the significant Orange County attractions and is an ideal place to spend some relaxed time exploring.

The plaza features shops with old-fashioned exteriors selling a range of products. You'll also find quaint eateries and antique shops and markets.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Old Towne

• Best Western Orange Plaza (unwind poolside)

Hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center

Hiking at Oak Canyon Nature Center is a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Orange County! This park consists of 58 acres comprised of four intertwining canyons.

Trails are for varying levels of experience, so there's something for everyone. There is also a stream that spans the park. While there, be sure to check out the live animal exhibit (it's free) to learn about the animals you may encounter on your hike.

Play sports at Salt Creek Beach Park

Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point is popular amongst tourists and locals. The park features numerous sports courts, including those for volleyball, tennis, and basketball. The beach is also an ideal surfing location. If you like sports, be sure to head here to enjoy some sporting activities.

🏨 Accommodation in close proximity to Salt Creek Beach

• Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn (4-star)

View amazing artworks at Bowers Museum

Bowers Museum is one of the finest art museums in Orange County. The museum has notably been voted "Best Museum in Orange County" for almost two decades.

Located in Santa Ana, the museum houses over 100,000 art objects. As you explore, you can view incredible art pieces, including Native American and Pacific Island art.

Attend an event at the OC Fair and Event Center

The OC Fair and Event Center is a 150-acre venue that hosts year-round events in Costa Mesa. The 150+ events draw in over four million visitors throughout the year. Some popular events include the OC farmers market and concerts.

The event center also features the Costa Mesa Speedway track and Pacific Amphitheatre. Check out the center's calendar to see what events are being hosted during your trip!

🏨 Places to stay near the OC Fair & Event Center

• Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County (unwind poolside)
• OC Hotel

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Enjoy the Orange County Fair

The month-long Orange County Fair is one of the most popular events held at the OC Fair and Event Center. The OC Fair runs in July and August and is another of the fun places in Orange County to visit for a memorable day out.

At the fair, you can go on rides, eat yummy carnival snacks, and watch live entertainers. Taking some family photos on hay bales is highly recommended too!

🏨 Stay nearby the OC Fair & Event Center

• Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Costa Mesa

Look around the Muckenthaler Cultural Center

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center was originally an 18-room mansion that was built and owned by the Muckenthaler family in 1925. The family notably owned a citrus and nut farming business that served the local area.

The home was donated by the family's son in 1965, with the intention of providing creative outlets to the community. The center today is known for its cultural museum, musical performances, and art classes and events.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Muckenthaler Cultural Center

• Holiday Inn Express Fullerton-Anaheim (loved by guests)

Meet sea lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a rescue, rehabilitation, and release center that takes in injured sea lions and seals. The organization's goal is to treat these aquatic patients and then release them back into the wild.

Currently, the center is home to 20 sea lions. When visiting, you can catch them swimming in their habitats, sunbathing on the rocks, or munching on some fish!

Bird watch at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the best Orange County places to visit for wildlife enthusiasts is the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The 12-acre sanctuary and reserve features a bird-watching deck and several walking trails that allow you to peacefully observe the animals that live here.

A small natural museum is also on-site and includes exhibits on local plants and wildlife.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway features 656 miles of road that runs along the coast of California. As you drive along the iconic highway, you can appreciate photo-worthy winding roads and stunning ocean views.

Of course, you don't have to drive the entire highway, but doing so would make an incredible road trip! Along with admiring the views, you can stop at many central coast of California landmarks while driving the route.

☂️ Visit the Pacific Coast Highway with a tour

• Monterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour From San Francisco (widely sought after)
• Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Explorer From San Francisco

🏨 Accommodation nearby the Pacific Coast Highway

• The Pacific Inn (top-rated)

Wander through the fields and woodlands at Fairview Park

Located in Costa Mesa, Fairview Park spans 208 acres. 194 of those acres are free-growing grass and woodlands, while the remaining are more manicured.

There are additionally two nationally recognized historic sites at Fairview Park, plus seven miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is quite isolated, making it ideal for people who need a break from the crowds.

Go on an Orange County beach tour

Renting a car for the day and driving along the coast of California is one of the most fun things to do in Orange County! As you drive, you'll come across nine well-known beaches and dozens of other small ones.

At each beach, you can surf, tan, and walk down beautiful piers. Be sure to remember your camera too! Popular beaches to stop at include Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach.

☂️ Visit Huntington Beach with an experience

• Newport Beach - Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure (widely acclaimed)

Learn about Los Rios Historic District

Located in San Juan Capistrano, the Los Rios Historic District is a history enthusiast's dream! Many of the buildings in the district date back to 1794, and the area is the oldest occupied neighborhood in California.

As you walk around the town, keep your eyes open for plaques that will teach you more about the history of your surroundings.

Follow the San Clemente Coastal Trail

The San Clemente Coastal Trail spans 2.3 miles along the California coast. It runs from North Beach to Calafia Beach Park. Locals and tourists love to use the trail for walking and biking. The dirt trail is also dog-friendly, as are the beaches along the route.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to San Clemente

• Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast by Elevate Rooms
• San Clemente Inn

Walk through the art galleries at Laguna Beach

One of the top things to do in Orange County for art enthusiasts is going to the galleries in Laguna Beach. There are dozens of exhibits and galleries to see, many of which offer free admission.

The galleries feature a range of art forms, including sculpture, paintings, photographs, and more. Live demos are frequently held in galleries too. You're bound to find an artist you love as you explore and may even be inspired to take on a new hobby!

🏨 Stay near Laguna Beach

• The Tides Laguna Beach
• SCP Seven4One Hotel

See the sunset at Seal Beach Municipal Pier

Seal Beach Municipal Pier was originally built in the early 1900s, and today, the pier remains a popular attraction with both tourists and locals. Watching the sunset at Seal Beach is highly recommended and is an activity you have to enjoy while in Orange County. Seeing the sky turn orange and pink above the calm ocean waters is truly breathtaking!

Fun Things to Do Near Orange County

Have a fun day out at Legoland

You can discover numerous theme parks near Orange County and Legoland is one of the most exciting. Found close to San Diego, the park houses an array of attractions made completely from Lego blocks.

From riding roller coasters to building lego designs and buying a range of fun lego merchandise, you're guaranteed to have fun at Legoland! You'll even get to see Lego replicas of world landmarks.

☂️ Join a tour to see LEGOLAND California

• LEGOLAND California Admission Tickets (popular and sought-after)

🏨 Nearest accommodations to LEGOLAND California

• Grand Pacific Palisades Resort (well-regarded)
• Marbrisa Carlsbad Resort (offers a pool)

Venture through Joshua Tree National Park

The breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks on the West Coast. Venturing through some of this stunning protected park is highly rated as one of the top things to do in Orange County.

You can head out to the desert park yourself, or why not try a Joshua Tree National Park driving or hiking tour?

Drive to Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming destination that's just an hour away from Orange County. Taking a mini road trip here has to be on your OC bucket list. In Pasadena, you can find many unique shops to visit and delicious restaurants and cafes to try. Going to the architecturally beautiful City Hall is a must too.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Pasadena

• Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel (rated highly)
• Hilton Pasadena (relax by the pool)

Discover marine life at the SEA LIFE Aquarium

The California SEA LIFE Aquarium is on the same site as Legoland in Carlsbad. At the aquarium, you can see over 5,000 sea creatures. Animals to spot range from tropical fish to stingrays, octopi, and more.

You will also get to admire vibrant colored coral reefs and watch feeding sessions. A trip to SEA LIFE Aquarium is definitely one of the most exciting kid-friendly activities near Orange County.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the SEA LIFE Aquarium

• Carlsbad Seapointe Resort (scored highly by guests)

Visit Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is an island chain off the Southern California coast, featuring five islands: Anacapa Island, San Miguel Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, and Santa Barbara Island.

Activities to enjoy on the islands include visiting a scenic lighthouse, spotting seals, and venturing through sea caves.

Go on a day trip to Los Angeles

Taking a day trip to Los Angeles is highly recommended, with the iconic destination found just an hour away from Orange County. Once you arrive, there is a multitude of things to do in Los Angeles, during the day and at night.

LA activities range from seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame to shopping on Rodeo Drive and hanging at Venice Beach.

🏨 Places to stay close to Los Angeles

• Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt (exceptional rating)
• CitizenM Los Angeles Downtown (rated 4-stars)

In Summary

Orange County is a scenic and exciting destination on the West Coast of the United States. The county features many amazing places to see and things to do. No matter how many of these attractions in Orange County you visit, you're sure to have an incredible time!

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